Artists left their lonely studios and took the streets around Old Naples to meet admirers and stir up interest in the fundraiser Third on Canvas.

All painting styles, from impressionist to more abstract expressionist art, were on display Sunday as the local painters worked to produce auction items to benefit Naples organizations PAWS Assistance Dogs and Friends of Foster Children Forever.

“We’re here for the charity but also to expose our work,” local artist Thom Millsap said. “I don’t get down to Old Naples often, and we get to talk with people interested (in painting).”

Ken Fraser works on a painting during the annual Third on Canvas event on Third Street South in Naples, on Sunday, Feb. 17, 2019.(Photo: Alex Driehaus/Naples Daily News USA TODAY NETWORK - FLORIDA)

The popular Third Street South neighborhood was filled with people searching for lunch or warm sands near Naples Pier. But many couldn’t help but stop and watch a painter at work for a couple of minutes.

“You have to be prepared to not get much done,” artist Peter Garon said. “Some artists don’t like working in public.”

Sample books and business cards sat near every easel. Passers-by browsed a painter’s wares, grabbed a card and continued on their way, some promising to make a visit to the artist’s studio.

Joseph Allocca was among those browsing downtown. One of the artists was his friend, but he strolled up and down the streets looking at the others’ work too.

Susan Lindsey paints while people walk past her during the annual Third on Canvas event on Third Street South in Naples, on Sunday, Feb. 17, 2019. Alex Driehaus/Naples Daily News USA TODAY NETWORK - FLORIDA

Dawson George, 7, stops to talk to Cheri Dunnigan as she works on her chalk pastel drawing during the annual Third on Canvas event on Third Street South in Naples on Sunday, Feb. 17, 2019. "How'd you do that?" asked Dawson, who was very impressed by the artwork. Alex Driehaus/Naples Daily News USA TODAY NETWORK - FLORIDA

Janine Wesselmann paints during the annual Third on Canvas event on Third Street South in Naples on Sunday, Feb. 17, 2019. Wesselmann has been participating in Third on Canvas for the past 11 years. Alex Driehaus/Naples Daily News USA TODAY NETWORK - FLORIDA

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Each artist will submit a work to the Third on Canvas leaders for an auction Thursday evening at the Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club. Most of the proceeds will go toward the two charities, after removing a stipend for the artists.

“It’s great to see people get into bidding wars,” said Janine Wesselmann. “It drives up the price.”

Wesselmann is a central figure in the event, consistently earning the most money for her impressionist art. Think paintings from 19th-century French artist Claude Monet with a Naples twist.

“It’s happy pressure,” she said. “You want to do your best to get more money for charity.”

Dawson George, 7, stops to talk to Cheri Dunnigan as she works on her chalk pastel drawing during the annual Third on Canvas event on Third Street South in Naples on Sunday, Feb. 17, 2019. "How'd you do that?" asked Dawson, who was very impressed by the artwork.(Photo: Alex Driehaus/Naples Daily News USA TODAY NETWORK - FLORIDA)

Because she has been with the event since its beginning 11 years ago, Wesselmann had a nice shady spot in a fountain plaza. Members of PAWS Assistance Dogs and their golden retrievers-in-training stood around her easel.

“It does get us out in the community and gets the dogs more exposure to people,” said Laura Barsamian of PAWS.